Candlelight Tours of Drayton Hall In Charleston--Affords You the Opportunity to See the Estate in a Different Light

Everything looks different in the fading light of the setting sun. The colors of the day melt away as they give way to the intruding darkness washing over the surrounding landscape like a rogue wave. Once upon a time sleeping shadows come to life, energized by any light source nearby. In the changed aura, one's imagination becomes more sensitive. Drayton Hall's Candlelight Tour does exactly all that. It allows you to see the old Ashley River estate and its impressive house in a different shade of light.

Originally a fruit orchard, Drayton Hall was built somewhere around 1738, thus making it over 285 years old. Considered one of the earliest and finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in the United States, it is part of the most significant, undisturbed historic landscapes in North America.

Inside, the timeless wood and plaster carvings give testimony to the artful skills of the master craftsman of the day and the soul of its owners. The house is a surviving relic for us to look at with curiosity and wonderment. For the people in its beginning, every nuance incorporated into its design had a special meaning.

Drayton Hall is unquestionably not without its mysteries, both surreal and real. The most recent and famous occurred in 2007 when one of its staff members received an anonymous package containing the photograph of a watercolor painting of Drayton Hall purported to be date back to 1765.

The tour began at the Visitor Center, where Rosemary, our guide, talked about the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust's mission, which is to foster a deeper understanding of colonial America and the evolution of life in the South by discovering, researching, conserving, and interpreting the history, context, and culture of Drayton Hall.

Next, we were led to a graveled circle under some of the estate's oldest trees. The guide suggested we should consider not standing there too long for safety reasons and insurance liability. The old trees have lost some huge limbs over the years unexpectedly. Then, pointing to the land across from Drayton Hall on the other side of the Ashley River, which a generous supporter recently donated to the Trust, she related how the acquisition ensures that future generations will enjoy the same majestic view we see today.

The house was by this time covered in darkness, with only flickering candles lighting the way. We all stood at the iron gate at the lowest level of the house. The ornate wrought iron gate was the work of Charleston's Philip Simmons, a black gentleman who had a close working relationship with the Drayton family. We stepped into the large space. It had a stone floor throughout, a large fireplace, and a table with artifacts. The guide told stories about the relationship between the Drayton family and the house workers. We exited through the gate we entered and ascended the house's steps to the dramatic portico and the main entrance. From here, I will let the pictures tell the story.

The Candlelight Tour of Drayton Hall was a surreal trip back in time bathed in the light of a flickering candle. Our tour guide, a petite lady with a big smile and a sophisticated knack for delivering an entertaining narrative, was personable, engaging, and knowledgeable about the Drayton story. She personally addressed each individual in the group as if she was having a one-on-one conversation. She made each narrative come to life.

Walking through the richly decorated rooms of the house in the soft cadmium hue of candlelight gave you a unique perspective of its aged and timeless beauty. You experience the look and feel of the residence the way the people of its beginning years would have before there was electricity, which by the way, continues to be the case.

Photographs by Anne-Merle Bryant

$50 members/$55 non-members per person

3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC